ABSTRACT
The heart of any audit is data collection. This is usually regarded as the menial labor part of the audit process because of the drudgery involved. Data collection is hard work and requires endurance but it is the most vital part of an audit, because without reliable data, the other steps in the audit process will be flawed. The goal of an on-site audit is to obtain solid, accurate information in a short time. While most of the building data will be revealed from the on-site data collection process, some building information—specifically, electrical data and building drawings— needs to be collected before the audit team even goes to the building site. Collecting lighting data requires assessing lighting quality, collecting fixture and lamp data, counting fixtures, determining the lighting load, and noting the condition of the fixtures and the spaces. Other data that need to be collected include lighting system voltages, switching methods and zoning, and hours of use.
